Dorian/Aeolian Gapped Scales and Hybrids

Link to Samples and Examples of Modes in Folk Songs

The Aeolian scale is the same as the Dorian scale except that the sixth note is flattened by a semitone. To convert a Dorian to an Aeolian key signature, add a flat to, or remove a sharp from, it. Likewise, to convert an Aeolian to a Dorian key signature, remove a flat from, or add a sharp to, it. The Dorian and Aeolian scales are thus quite similar to each other, and there are quite a few Dorian/Aeolian gapped scales and quite a few Dorian/Aeolian hybrids. Here are some examples.

04 Robin Hood and the Tanner (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link: 04_Robin_Hood_and_the_Tanner

Tune Analysis: D Dorian key signature but one of the Bs (6th) is flattened to produce a Dorian/Aeolian hybrid. Heptatonic, Mainly Authentic but there is a C that dips below the keynote.

06 Lord Bateman (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link:06_Lord_Bateman

Tune Analysis: G Aeolian key signature but no E (6th). Hexatonic G Dorian/G Aeolian gapped scale, Plagal.

09 Geordie (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link: 09_Geordie

Tune Analysis: A Aeolian key signature but no F (6th). Hexatonic G Dorian/G Aeolian gapped scale, Plagal.

12 The Coasts of High Barbary (Cecil J. Sharp, 1916, One Hundred English Folk Songs)

Link: 12_The_Coasts_of_High_Barbary

Tune Analysis: E Aeolian key signature but no C (6th). Hexatonic E Dorian/E Aeolian gapped scale. Mainly Authentic but the pick up notes (anacrusis) and some Ds dip below the keynote.

As I Roamed Out (GB/6a/5)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/5&is=1#

Tune Analysis: D Aeolian key signature but some of the Bbs (6ths) are naturalised to produce a Dorian/Aeolian hybrid. Heptatonic, Plagal.

Basket of Eggs Version 2 of 2 (GB/6a/18)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/18&is=1#

Tune Analysis: The key signature is E Aeolian but two of the Cs are sharpened to produce a Dorian/Aeolian hybrid. Heptatonic, Authentic.

Cupid the Ploughboy Version 1 of 3 (GB/6a/59)

Link: https://www.vwml.org/search?q=GB/6a/59&is=1

Tune Analysis: G Aeolian key signature but scale is Hexatonic with no Es (6th). If the Es are presumed to be natural the scale is Dorian, if flattened Aeolian. Plagal.